South Africa’s Eskom backtracks on proposed solar registration fines

South African utility Eskom has decided not to fine or disconnect residential customers who miss a September 30 deadline to register their small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) systems.

Eskom, alongside several municipalities, had previously warned customers with unregistered solar systems face fines of up to ZAR 30,000 ($1,846) or could have their electricity supply disconnected if they do not register in time.

Following pushback from stakeholders who have questioned Eskom’s authority to impose such a measure, the utility has now decided its imposed deadline will not trigger such penalties.

Eskom has been campaigning for all SSEG systems to be registered since early 2025 and previously extended a registration fee waiver until the end of September.

In a statement sent to pv magazine, the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) has welcomed Eskom’s decision not to proceed with the penalties while maintaining that registration, safety compliance and grid visibility remain essential as South Africa’s rooftop solar market continues to grow.

The association’s technical and policy manager, Sim Khuluse, explained that while distributors are required to keep a register of embedded generation facilities under South Africa’s Electricity Regulation Act, the requirement was never meant to be enforced through fines and disconnection threats.

“Punitive measures don’t make the grid safer; they create friction in South Africa’s energy transition at exactly the point where we need more households on board,” Khuluse added.

Beyond registration, SAPVIA says it is continuing to emphasise the importance of safety compliance via the issuance of a valid Certificate of Compliance by a registered electrical professional for every solar PV installation.

Last August, Eskom announced a renewable energy offtake program inviting large consumers to sign power purchase agreements at sites owned by the utility. The program commenced with a request for proposals covering 291 MW of solar capacity.

South Africa’s cumulative solar capacity has surpassed 10 GW, after deploying 1.6 GW last year. The country is currently undergoing a liberalization of its energy market with the phased introduction of its wholesale electricity market expected to begin early next year.